Don't just shoot it next to him. Have the dog out running or doing something he enjoys and pop off the cap gun and act like nothing happened. Do it at a distance and slowly work closer to the dog. Also work up form the cap gun. Go slow and act like it is normal and you shouldn't have an issue.

I used the DT Systems Dummy Launcher, it uses 22 cal blanks in several power loads; launches the dummy as far as forty or fifty yards (farther if you use one of their plastic dummies), and by the time my pup heard the 28 gauge for the first time it was like he had always been around shotguns.

Don't just shoot it next to him. Have the dog out running or doing something he enjoys and pop off the cap gun and act like nothing happened. Do it at a distance and slowly work closer to the dog. Also work up form the cap gun. Go slow and act like it is normal and you shouldn't have an issue.

In fact get someone else to pop the gun while you play fetch with your pup in a distance away than in time work closer More than just 1 day of it

I would say get a retriever training program and stick to it. Once your pup is 6 months or so. You may want to look into some puppy type programs to prepare him for that also. Gun fire is one small aspect to the big picture

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“If you turn the imagination loose like a hunting dog, it will often return with the bird in its mouth.”-William Maxwell

I would say get a retriever training program and stick to it. Once your pup is 6 months or so. You may want to look into some puppy type programs to prepare him for that also. Gun fire is one small aspect to the big picture

I definitely agree with the program but I would recommend not doing gunfire introduction now. Your pup is still very young and there is plenty of time for that. At your pups age I would recommend Hillman's puppy video. Jackie Mertens Sound Beginnings is also great. Both will fit with all other programs but I recommend Hillman because it is easier to follow if you have a lack of time and resources.

Come out and join Cowtown HRC. A great group of people w/a vast amount of knowledge.They've helped me a ton w/my now 2 yr. old.

I will definitely look into that, I am not too sure if I did join if I would be able to make very many meetings with living over an hour and a half away and with working, but I will definitely give it some thought.